service indicator Mercury Grand Marquis 1999 s User Guide

BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
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150

splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with soap and
water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience an adverse
reaction.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a one-eighth turn
on/off feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
If the ªService Engine Soon/Check Engineº indicator comes on and stays
on when you start the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly
installed. Turn off the engine, remove the fuel filler cap and reinstall it
being careful to align the cap properly.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a genuine
Ford or Motorcraft part. The customer warranty may be void for
any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if a genuine Ford or
Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, the pressure in the
fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work
improperly in a collision.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
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159

²Use only unleaded fuel.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your Scheduled Maintenance Guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the charging system warning light,Check Engine
indicator light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange
odors, smoke or loss of oil pressure, could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
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165

Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................90
and child safety seats ..............91
description ................................90
disposal ......................................94
indicator light ...........................93
passenger air bag .....................92
Air conditioning
automatic temperature
control system ......28,29,30,31,33
Air suspension ...........................111
Anti-theft system ........................76
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ...................113,114,115
Axle
refill capacities ........................175
Brakes ........................................106
anti-lock ............................106,107
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............107
fluid, checking and adding ....141
shift interlock ..........................112
Break-in period .............................2
CD changer ..................51,53,54,55
Child safety seats
attaching with tether straps ..100
in rear seat ...........................97,99
tether anchorage hardware ...100
Cleaning your vehicle ...............170
engine compartment ..............172
exterior .............................171,174
exterior lamps .........................173
interior .....................................174
plastic parts ............................173
washing ....................................171
waxing .....................................171
wheels ......................................172
windows ..................................174
wiper blades ............................173
Clock ............................................34
Compass, electronic ....................65calibration .................................67
set zone adjustment .................66
Controls ........................61,62,63,64
power seat ............................82,83
Coolant ......................................144
checking and adding ..............143
refill capacities ........................144
Customer Assistance
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .......................187,188,189
Ford Extended Service Plan .181
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................186
Getting roadside assistance ...180
Getting the service you
need .........................................182
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................191
The Dispute Settlement
Board ..................183,184,185,186
Defrost
rear window ..............................25
Emission control system ..........164
Engine
check engine/
service engine soon light ...........7
coolant .....................................142
idle speed control ...................150
service points ..........................138
starting after a collision .........120
Engine block heater .................104
Engine oil
checking and adding ..............140
dipstick ....................................139
specifications ...................139,140
Exhaust fumes ..........................105
Fail safe cooling .................145,146
Floor mats ...................................70
Fuel
choosing the right fuel ...........159
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................164
Index
193